Gordie Howe’s sons have words for Alex Ovechkin

The National Hockey League goal scoring record that was held by Detroit Red Wings legend for second overall in history is officially no more. Last week, Washington Capitals superstar captain and scoring machine Alex Ovechkin officially leapfrogged Howe in the NHL record books, scoring a pair of goals against the Winnipeg Jets - his 801st and 802nd career tallies. 

Ovechkin is now second only to Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals scored, and it isn’t inconceivable to say that the Great 8 could eventually overtake Number 99 himself by the time his career is over. 

But if you think there is any bitterness or disappointment coming from the two sons of Howe, think again. 

“They’re both big, powerful men,” said Hall of Famer Mark Howe.”

“That creates a little room,” Mark said. “My dad’s theory was you let people know you’re on the ice and you make them pay a price. That gave you a little more room. And with a little room, you have more time. It makes a huge difference in goal scoring.”

Meanwhile, Marty Howe drew parallels between the on and off-ice personalities between Ovechkin and his father. Both friendly guys off the ice, but anything but in the heat of competition! 

“He was the nicest person you’d ever meet on the ice,” Marty Howe said of his dad. “You didn’t want to meet him in the corner on the ice.”

“Back in the day, shedding (another player’s) blood, you could do that three times before you got kicked out. And he did that quite a few times.”